Communications, command, and control system with plug-and-play connectivity

Abstract

A modular communications, command, and control system with plug-and-play connectivity, utilizing configurable independent base stations and portable handsets that preferably have similar components and functionality so as to be interoperable. The system utilizes an open system interconnection architecture preferably having fully integrated layers permitting inter-operability with adaptive applications and inter / intra-linking with external appliances and / or apparatuses. Optionally, the system may be utilized to perform extended information handling / processing, networking, personal assistance, industrial, commercial, medical, military, and / or security functions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to adaptive communications, remote control, sensing, information processing, and security, and more particularly, to a modular communications, command, and control system with plug-and-play connectivity, comprising one or more handsets and / or base stations that can transmit and receive communication signals and / or command signals and / or control signals. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has long been known to use radio frequency (RF) and / or infrared (IR) signals to effect telephonic transmission and / or remote control of devices such as home appliances. Assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,467 issued to Salazar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein, further taught an integrated communications, command and control device that provides, two-way, RF and / or IR and / or wired / wireless links to all types of apparatus and / or appliances for home, business, medical, or industrial use. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In accordance with the present invention, a modular adaptive communications, command, and control system with plug-and-play connectivity is provided. The system utilizes configurable independent base stations and portable handsets, which preferably have similar components and functionality so as to be interoperable. Further, the system utilizes an open system interconnection architecture preferably having fully integ

Problems solved by technology

The Salazar patent, however, does not provide a universal open system interconnection that permits plug-and-play adaptability or connectivity with other devices.

However, no such known devices effectively integrate remote command and control of other devices with an open system interface or plug-and-play connectivity, with or without the concurrent linking of communication signals (i.e., video, audio, text, and / or other data such as information from sensing means).

Known mobile telephones, and PDAs, however, lack IR signaling functionality and wired connectivity to many devices that require the use of telephone lines, power lines, and other wired point-to-point links, and do not have plug-and-play connectivity and / or adaptability that is selectable and / or programmable.

Smartphones and PDAs generally provide for remote control and IR signaling functionality, but they lack both plug-and-play functionality, as well as the adaptability required to implement security systems.

Also, none of the known prior art devices provides the possibility of security functionality such as plug-and-play capability to adapt application-specific microprocessors and / or external modules (e.g., memory) for security applications.

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